March is National Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate stories of the past that paved the way for women today, celebrate the contributions women continue to make, and envision a future where people are treated equally, no matter how they identify. Women are generally known for keeping things “going” at home and at work, within community organizations and spiritual institutions, and in many other aspects of life. Because women are given the “caregiver” title in our society, they often overlook giving themselves the care that they need. As we honor and celebrate women far and wide for their tenacity, encouragement, support, creativity, resilience, and endless contributions to history, culture, and society, we can also take this month to slow down and give women space to take care of themselves, too.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Set boundaries that work for you. Ignoring your boundaries for the benefit of others can leave you feeling drained and isolated. Saying “no” to protect emotional and mental space can improve self-esteem and facilitate healthier relationships.
• Practice positive self-talk. Many women feel pressured by society to meet or exceed certain societal expectations. A negative self-image is often linked to anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of unhealthy behaviors. By implementing positive affirmations into your wellness routine, you can reduce stress and increase positive self-talk.
• Prioritize mind-body wellness. Simple physical activities like deep breathing, short walks, or meditation can have a big impact on mental health. Many women struggle with feeling overwhelmed, so these sorts of activities can help ground you and reduce stress which leads to improved physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
• Seek and encourage support. Many women feel pressure to “do it all.” Often, women feel naturally in tune with their emotions, causing them to experience more emotional burden, since they are frequently the “supporters” rather than the “supported,” on top of juggling all their various responsibilities. If you or anyone you are in the supporter role for needs a little extra support, reach out sooner than later. You don’t have to do it all, all the time!
• Reconnect with your story. Reconnecting with your story can help you rediscover your passion and purpose as well as give you perspective on who you once were, where you are, and where you’re going. This can positively contribute to your overall mental health by reducing stress and increasing feelings of hope and happiness.
• Reflect on your contributions. Take some time to consider your personal contributions to your own life. Then, celebrate those contributions! You may even find that this can help manage and prevent burnout and rejuvenate you as you carry on contributing in all the meaningful ways that you do!

We know that mental health is essential to well-being, and what better timing than Women’s History Month to remind women that their mental health is important and deserves to be prioritized?

As always, if you need support, Jefferson Center is here for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out today and call us at 720-767-0742 to learn more about our services and programs.